It's Conference Time

We were going on week four of being home all day everyday.  I wasn't sure how I would do, much less how the kids would do, with sitting through 6 hours on Saturday and 4 hours on Sunday of General Conference.  I was worried it might be rough.  Also, if I were to just look at these crazy pictures, I might feel a little sad or irreverent about our conference experience.  

However, we had a wonderful weekend.  The kids did get a little restless sometimes but they chose to stay in the family room and listen.  I was amazed and thankful.  I kept saying little prayers in my heart and mind that they would feel the spirit and know of the truth of the things they heard.  The counsel given was amazing, of course.  It was a wonderful weekend.

Aubrey woke before the others and began making this elaborate fort.  She wanted her own little spot to enjoy conference from.  

Tanner, being the younger brother, is ALWAYS on the bottom.

Sunday night after conference, I was lying with Aubrey in her bed, and we were talking about our day.  She shared with me some of what she took away from conference.  Two things she said were 1. She felt like she should start working on family history.  2. She felt she should find ways to serve others more.

I felt so grateful that my thirteen year old would feel and share those promptings.   (And now the hardest part for each of us comes...to act on those thoughts and feelings.)

I loved the analogy Sister Cordon used on being sure our flashlights were actually lighting the path to help those who need it.

One thing President Nelson said was since we cannot attend the temple right now, lets take that time to do family history and indexing.  I am beginning to do that now.  Also, I saw a comment on social media from a lady who said, "Because I cannot go to the temple now and feel the spirit that is there, I want to make an extra effort to bring that spirit into our home."  I want that in our home as well.

This quote by Elder Clayton goes along with that sentiment as well.

Here are a few more pictures from our weekend of conference.

 We rotated places throughout the day as we listened to our leaders.

President Nelson announced there would be a solemn assembly on Sunday morning and so we wore our church clothes.

Parker and I started a 500 piece puzzle that we worked on throughout.  It was a tough one.  We finished it by Tuesday I think.

Bri made us a yummy brunch on Sunday: egg dish, hash browns and biscuits.

Occasionally one of us would grab the headphones so we could listen while we were doing something in another room.  I was getting dinner started.

This conference was centered around Joseph Smith's First Vision and the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  (You can read or listen to the talks here.)  Although it was announced that this would be the focus, I was still surprised by how many talks were almost solely on these topics.

It was wonderful to gain insights and direction from all the talks.

A few things I loved:
-The Lord loves effort and effort brings rewards.
-Turn to the scriptures to find faith and strength to act.
-The spirit can know what to work on today.
-Record spiritual promptings and answers to prayers.  This will bless you to remember God's love for you especially in hard times.
-Engage in the gospel.  Have the youth sacrifice and act.  It will make it go deep into their hearts.  Let the youth feel your love and trust.
-Satan tries to divide...divide men and women, parents, anyone.  God unites.  It was a good reminder to me to remember Brian's strengths and appreciate him even more.  (I do love that guy of mine a lot.)
-Seek revelation.  Reach out to others.  Pray in faith.
-Trust in Christ.  Come unto Him.  Our deepest efforts will and should happen in our own homes.
-In difficult times remember the greatness of God.
-Shine our lights towards the right people and towards the right paths, not just haphazardly
-Without The Book of Mormon and without the first vision, there would be no Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I

I am so grateful to have the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.  It blesses my life in every way.

Sam's Home!

Our nephew Sam made it in from Fiji last week.  We are so happy for Jeff and Sarah to have him home safely and to have all their kiddos together for at least an evening or two.  

He was supposed to be released in early August but do to the pandemic, he, and many other missionaries around the world, are being released a few months early.

Andrew, Caroline, Emily, Sam, Sarah, Ruby, and Jeff

Sarah has been so cute and supportive about Brinley's mission preparations and call.  It makes me just love this moment for them even more.   Hoping we will be able to chat with Sam over Zoom or FaceTime soon!

Pushing Through the Boredom

Overall our self quarantine has gone pretty well.  It definitely get a little monotonous and boring at times though.  

We have been very diligent to just be with our family this past week because Parker and Tanner had contact "one away" from someone who has Covid-19.  The boys both spent time with brothers (Harper and Tate) one evening who were in direct contact with a man who found out he had it.  Parker, who is my most social one, has handled being home 100% of the time much better than I expected.

I am trying to do a few things each day I can feel good about.  I try to workout, keep the kitchen clean and house picked up, read my scriptures, make dinner and spend time doing things with each of the kids each day.  Even when I am tired of playing board games or basketball or snuggling, when they initiate, I especially try to say yes.  

Last week the girls and I brainstormed ways we could serve others.  We are happier when we reach out to others.  We didn't come up with much, but we have a few things we are going to put into action which makes me happy to even think about.

Here are a few random pictures from our week.  

Strong and creative.  I would prefer them trying things like this but last week they pulled out the air soft guns.   They were the targets.  Ugh.   I did insist they wear eye protection but if they want to take the risk of being shot, their old enough to choose.  It reminds me of a spot on phrase, "you can't help stupid."

The U.S. leaders did a turn around and now say masks are recommended when going out in public.  I broke into our 72 hours kits that Grandpa and Grandma Gwilliam gave us one year.  They are amazing that way.  (Thank you once again Joyce and Jerry.)  

This was me standing outside in a long line at Walmart.  Only 100 people can be in the store at one time.  It was freezing, and I was feeling like a dork with my hoodie and face mask on, but such is life.

I walked over to my parents one day and we visited on the phone through the window.  I love being able to see them in person while we visit.  (Last week was very stressful for our entire family because we found out a healthcare worker who both my parents had direct contact with had Covid-19.  My parents saw him two Mondays ago.  He was diagnosed 8 days later and today marks 14 days for my parents since they had contact with the healthcare worker.  I think they should be in the clear.  It's a huge relief.)

How cute is this?!  One of my friends from church, Sandy McKown, brought by Jr. Mints to help me survive this stressful time.

Lots of hanging out.  I thought it was cute that Tanner was playing with Aubrey's hair but then I overheard him telling her he was picking all of the lice out of it.  The boys tease her and pick on her endlessly.  Brothers--ugh.

Isn't Tyson the cutest!!!  One day my sister-in-law Denise FaceTimed us.  It was so fun to catch up with them.  Aubrey and I were playing a card game and so Tyson went to their closet and got out cards.  Then he and Aubrey played together.  It was adorable!  (They just took turns putting down a card each...Tyson always won though because after 5 or 6 cards, he would put down the whole deck and sign "all done.")

I wanted to add some color and cheer to those walking up and down our street.  This little display in our front window brings me joy as well.

We have had beautiful weather this spring so far....a huge blessing for us.  Bryn set up a workstation outside for a few hours.

 Aubrey organizing some homework.

This cute guy is Elliott S.  We have been friends with his family since he was two.  Can you see he has his leg flipped up over the back of his neck?!  His flexibility is impressive.

Aubrey and I have been having story time with Elliott and his sister Eva and brother Peter everyday at 1:00.  It's been so fun.  It is definitely more of a blessing for us.  It gives us a way to serve and feel like we are making a difference.  Thanks for sharing your kiddos Katie.

Our young women leaders also offered the girls a chance to be pen pals with other young women from Idaho.  Aubrey received her first letter on Saturday and wrote back the next day.  She's super excited, and I love that it gives her something to look forward to.

Baby steps to figuring this quarantine thing out.

Sunday Night Social Distancing Style

Well, with the Covid-19 pandemic sweeping across the world, our Sunday night gatherings have been on hold.  However, a week ago, on March 29th, my parents invited us all to gather by Zoom.  (I forgot to post last week!)

It was really fun seeing everyone all at once, and I especially loved when the little cousins would holler out to each other and waive when they saw each other.

This screenshot is THE BEST.  Notice Kerry on the bottom right?  This is exactly how he feels about our in person Sunday night gatherings.  It made me several of us giggle.  We know he loves us...he just does not love gathering and hanging out all evening.

 I think we visited for about an hour.  Here are a few other pictures from the evening.

Aub

Cute Gram and Gramp

Kyla, Erin and Jeff, Lauron braiding Kate's hair.  (We tease the Vores that they are horrible
about social distancing.  They have all of these young adult children who have been out of the
country for Study Abroad courses and  have now come home with their significant other to visit the family.)

Blair and Sutton 

Nate and Beth are quarantining and working from their cabin!

Brit and Ella

Sure love this family of ours!!!